Jurors selected in local homicide trial

Five men and seven women were selected as jurors in a process that began Monday morning in Washington County Court for the trial of a man accused in the fatal shooting of a Washington resident near a West End bar in May 2012. Male and female alternate jurors also were chosen.

Henry Dion Williams, 25, of Pittsburgh, is charged with killing 23-year-old Rensfield Donald Jarvis in the 700 block of Ewing Street. Jarvis had moved to the Washington area from Bronx, N.Y., not long before his death and was staying with family members.

“We will not be considering the death penalty, but it is a homicide,” Judge John DiSalle told the panel of prospective jurors.

First Assistant District Attorney Michael Lucas intends to call about 12 witnesses. Representing Williams is Public Defender Glenn Alterio.

Jarvis died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Police used video surveillance both from Pickle’s bar and a city-owned camera on the street to identify Williams. The bar video showed Williams had been at the tavern for a substantial period before Jarvis walked over and tried unsuccessfully to shake his hand. The city’s camera showed the two men outside the bar, but they were out of range when the shots were fired. Witnesses told police Williams walked away after shooting Jarvis. He was arrested nearly a month later in McKeesport.

Barbara S. Miller covers politics, Washington County government and a variety of other topics for the Observer-Reporter. She is a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, majoring in English and history. Follow her on Twitter @reporterbarb.